Yvonne Joyce Gleason

Yvonne was born October 29, 1924 in London, England where she lived happily with her parents Margaret May and Albert Warren, and her three sisters Peggy, Joan, and Maureen. Yvonne’s father Albert proudly served in Her Majesties Royal Navy. Albert’s gratitude to the support of the American GI later lead to the chance meeting of the love of her life and future husband Everett “Orv” Gleason. After World War II the couple married on April 12, 1945 in Hockley, Essex, England. After a brief time living in England the couple moved stateside to Kirksville, MO where her husband had been raised. They later moved to Le Claire, IA where together they raised their three children Carol Ann, Donald Dean, and Michael Patrick.

With great pride Yvonne got to see their children start families of their own; eventually becoming grandparents to five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Whether by marriage or by birth she welcomed each new member to the family with the same love and compassion she showed her own children. Yvonne was always an extraordinarily loving and supportive mother and grandmother.

After raising their children Orv and Yvonne grew into retirement and enjoyed many happy years vacationing, enjoying their home at Leisure Lake, and wintering with friends in Weslaco, Texas. After 67 years they were separated on March 2,2012 by Everett’s death.

During her 97 years Yvonne touched an incredible number of lives through her amazing relationships and friendships. Although family was always at the core, all of Yvonne’s friends were special. Yvonne made a loving effort to continue to build and keep those relationships through countless letters, cards, phone calls, transatlantic boat rides, drives, and flights. Time and distance never changed the way she felt about these special people – years could pass and she would pick right up where they had left off. To this day her special bond with her nieces and nephews results in regular visits from her family still living in England. Caring for and about people was just her way of life.

In the final years of Yvonne’s life she lived at the Madrid Home in Madrid Ia. In this wonderful place Yvonne continued to forge bonds with a tremendous group of people who exemplify the difference between preforming a job and following a passion to care for others with thoughtfulness, love, and compassion.

Service to celebrate this amazing life will begin with a visitation on Tuesday, June 28th, 2022, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Runge Mortuary, and culminate with a funeral service on Wednesday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m. at the Runge Mortuary. She will be laid to rest in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will be assisted by Runge Mortuary in Davenport, IA where times and additional information may be found. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.

Yvonne was a regular contributor to fight a disease that impacts all our families. Instead of flowers please consider honoring her memory with a donation to the American Cancer Society .